Adidas Sponsor Indian Cricket Team World Cup 2023 Month Year: A Complete Story

In May 2023, Adidas officially became the new kit sponsor of the Indian cricket team. This was a landmark moment not only for Indian cricket but also for global sports marketing. After years of association with other brands, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) signed a multi-year agreement with Adidas, making them the exclusive kit manufacturer and sponsor for all formats of the game — Tests, ODIs, and T20s.

The timing of the deal was significant. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 scheduled in India later that year, the unveiling of Adidas as the official sponsor created enormous excitement. Fans were eager to see the Men in Blue don fresh jerseys made by one of the world’s most iconic sportswear brands.

This announcement, made in May 2023, highlighted Adidas’s ambition to strengthen its footprint in cricket, particularly in a market as passionate as India, where cricket is not just a sport but a national obsession.

Why Adidas chose Indian cricket

Adidas has always been a brand associated with excellence, performance, and global recognition. Partnering with the Indian cricket team was a strategic move. India’s cricket team is the most followed sports team globally, with millions of fans across continents. The 2023 World Cup was also set to be the biggest cricketing event of the decade, hosted in India itself.

By becoming the kit sponsor, Adidas aligned its brand with the aspirations of over a billion cricket lovers. The sponsorship was not just about jerseys — it was about becoming part of Indian cricket’s cultural identity. Adidas understood that every fan wearing the jersey during the World Cup would become a walking brand ambassador.

The jersey unveiling and design features

When Adidas unveiled the official Indian team jerseys, the reaction was phenomenal. The new kits combined tradition with modern aesthetics. The signature blue shade — known affectionately as “Men in Blue” — was kept intact, but Adidas added sleek patterns, bold stripes on the shoulders, and advanced breathable fabric designed for peak athletic performance.

Three separate jerseys were introduced for the formats:

• A classic white kit for Test cricket.
  
• A vibrant blue kit for One Day Internationals, including the World Cup.
  
• A modern darker-toned kit for T20 matches.
  

The World Cup 2023 jersey in particular became an instant hit, selling out online and in retail stores. Fans loved the Adidas three-stripe branding on the shoulders, which symbolized strength, unity, and resilience.

Impact on players and performance

Players often say that wearing a jersey is not just about clothing but about pride. With Adidas as the new sponsor, Indian cricketers expressed excitement at being associated with such a global sportswear leader. Many senior players spoke about how the lightweight material and ergonomic design allowed them to stay comfortable during long matches, especially under the intense Indian summer heat.

Performance may not depend solely on jerseys, but psychology plays a big role. A fresh kit sponsor, global branding, and fan enthusiasm created a sense of renewed energy in the Indian squad. As they prepared for the World Cup, the players knew they were stepping onto the field with billions of eyes watching — and Adidas branding on their shoulders.

Adidas and its history in global cricket

Though Adidas is best known for football, running, and lifestyle wear, it has a long history in cricket as well. Adidas has previously sponsored legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Dale Steyn through footwear and gear deals. However, becoming the official sponsor of the Indian team in May 2023 marked Adidas’s biggest direct investment in cricket apparel.

This sponsorship not only reinforced Adidas’s commitment to cricket but also opened the door for more collaborations, merchandising opportunities, and global campaigns.

The fan response and social media buzz

When the announcement was made in May 2023, social media platforms lit up. Hashtags like #AdidasIndia, #NewKitForTheWorldCup, and #MenInBlue trended for days. Fans posted pictures wearing the new Adidas jerseys, and online sales skyrocketed.

For many, it wasn’t just about supporting the team — it was about being part of history. This was the World Cup hosted in India, and Adidas’s partnership gave fans a brand they already trusted in other sports.

The business side of the deal

From a business perspective, this sponsorship was a win-win situation. For the BCCI, Adidas brought global credibility and financial stability. For Adidas, the partnership guaranteed visibility across millions of screens worldwide during the World Cup. The sponsorship also included rights to merchandise sales, which became a huge revenue generator during the tournament.

Experts estimated that the Adidas-India deal would generate record-breaking sales figures, surpassing previous kit sponsors. Cricket fans often purchase jerseys, caps, and fan gear, especially during World Cup years, making this partnership highly profitable.

Adidas and the cultural symbolism of cricket in India

Cricket in India is beyond sport — it is culture, religion, and passion. Adidas tapped into this cultural symbolism by ensuring their campaign messaging celebrated not only the players but also the fans. Their advertisements showed children playing gully cricket in Adidas jerseys, families watching matches together, and iconic stadium shots with fans in blue.

By doing this, Adidas embedded itself into India’s cricketing culture, ensuring that its three stripes were seen not only on the field but also in every street where cricket is played.

Looking ahead: The legacy of 2023 sponsorship

The sponsorship in May 2023 was just the beginning. Adidas plans to continue its partnership with Indian cricket for several years. The success of the 2023 World Cup campaign showed that the brand can thrive in cricket just as it does in football and athletics.

The deal set the tone for future collaborations, fan engagement activities, and global campaigns where Indian cricket would be the centerpiece.

FAQ

Q1: When did Adidas become the sponsor of the Indian cricket team?
Adidas officially signed the sponsorship deal in May 2023.

Q2: Was Adidas the sponsor during the 2023 World Cup?
Yes, Adidas sponsored the Indian team’s kits during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, hosted in India.

Q3: What made the Adidas jersey special for fans?
The Adidas jersey combined tradition with modern design, featuring the classic blue color, the iconic three stripes, and advanced performance fabric.

Final thoughts

The partnership between Adidas and the Indian cricket team, signed in May 2023, was one of the most impactful sponsorship deals in recent sports history. It not only gave players world-class kits for the World Cup but also energized fans, boosted merchandise sales, and strengthened the cultural connection between cricket and brand identity.

From stadiums packed with fans wearing Adidas jerseys to social media buzzing with excitement, this sponsorship proved that when tradition meets innovation, the result is unforgettable. The legacy of Adidas sponsor Indian cricket team World Cup 2023 month year will be remembered as a turning point in how global brands connect with the heartbeat of Indian cricket.